ILUKA’S Kulwin mine site is progressing Victoria’s reputation as an emerging world-class mineral sands area, according to Energy and Resources Minister Peter Batchelor.
Mr Batchelor said full-scale mining was underway at Iluka Resources’ Murray Basin Stage 2 project near Ouyen.
He recently inspected the construction and mining work at the site and said the project was ready to ramp up to full production later this month.
“The government is taking action to secure jobs for Victorians,” Mr Batchelor said.
“We are committed to fostering responsible mineral sands exploration and development in Victoria and projects such as the $200 million Murray Basin Stage 2 development are successfully delivering jobs and benefits to local businesses and helping to shield local economies from the effects of the global financial crisis.
“Iluka is currently ramping up to full production, which means an additional 450,000 tonnes per annum of heavy mineral concentrate will be extracted.”
Mr Batchelor said the Murray Basin had more than 60 million tonnes of coarse-grained and more than 200 million tonnes of fine-grained mineral sand deposits, which had the potential to support several long-life mining operations.
For more of this story, purchase your copy of Thursday’s Sunraysia Daily 6/11/2009.